THE distraught parents of a popular 22-year-old, who lost an eight day fight for life after an alleged assault, told of the heartbreak of losing their “perfect son”.

Happy-go-lucky former Stanley High pupil Chris Monks never regained consciousness after allegedly being struck in a brawl that spilled out of the Bold Arms in Churchtown on March 16.

He died in intensive care from severe head injuries on Saturday morning with his devastated family at his bedside.

Just the day before, the family held dampened celebrations for his brother Jonathan’s 21st birthday.

Surrounded by birthday cards at their Abrams Green home in Banks, parents Andy and Roselea told how “our world has been ripped apart”.

Chris’s mum, 51, said: “I can’t face the thought that he has gone. I keep expecting him to come through the front door with his beautiful smile. I keep thinking ‘he’s at work, he’ll be back soon’.

“We are absolutely devastated. I don’t know how we can carry on without him. It doesn’t seem real.”

Chris, who worked at his dad’s roofing business and had studied brickwork at Southport College, was on his way to play snooker at Les Dodd’s club on Princes Street when his family believe he stopped at the Bold for a drink.

At the time, a wake was being held for 20-year-old Michael Roberts, a former Stanley pupil who had tragically taken his life.

The Visiter understands that an argument spilled onto Cambridge Road from the pub, with Chris then allegedly struck.

A 21-year-old remains on police bail on suspicion of grievous bodily harm.